All You Need To Know About Triggering Your Camera Remotely

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Remote triggers for your camera are a versatile tool that you can use in a whole range of settings. Remote trigger devices are a modern upgrade on the old inbuilt camera self timer feature and give you, the photographer, far more control and accuracy in your shoot.

Why Use A Remote Camera Trigger Control?

Obviously, when you use a remote trigger you can take a photograph without actually being next to your camera! This can give you more flexibility and versatility while shooting photos and allows you to take professional looking self portraits. However, there are many other reasons to use a remote trigger for your camera.

Avoiding Camera Shakes:

Shaky camera shots are blurred and out of focus and can spoil an otherwise perfect photo! When you use a remote trigger you can set up the shot and then stand back, wait for the perfect moment and then take the picture without any risk of shaking the photo. You might think that you don’t need this because you have a steady hand however, for many types of photography, including for instance, macro photography, even the most miniscule shake can spoil a picture. This is even the case if you are using a tripod because as you press the shoot button you may slightly jolt the camera and spoil the photo.

You can avoid this altogether by using a remote trigger. It’s also very useful if you are taking photos at a slow, or very slow, shutter speed when again, the slightest shake can ruin the shot. Remote triggers are useful for light trail photography, starlight photos and other slow shutter speed work. Using your camera with a tripod and a remote trigger is the safest and most reliable way to shoot crystal clear, shake free shots every time and is certainly worth the small financial investment up front.

Situations in which You Should Consider Using a Remote Trigger.

• Telephoto photography: When you use a longer lens to significantly magnify an image your camera is going to be very sensitive to any shakes during the photo. When you use a remote trigger you can get the sharpest shots every time.

• Macro photography: A remote trigger removes any shakes from your close up, macro photography. It also allows you to move away from the camera and avoid casting shadows over the subject of the photo.

• Astrophotography: When you’re using a slow shutter speed to take photos of the night sky you want to avoid shaking the camera while shooting. As well as avoiding shakes, your camera may well be angled upwards at the sky making it awkward to press the shutter button! Using a remote trigger makes it easy and will let you sit back and watch as your slow shutter shot gets to work!

• Multiple exposure photography: If you’re working with multiple exposures of the same image to achieve a high dynamic range then you need to avoid even the slightest variation between exposures. When you use your remote trigger it eliminates this problem and increases your chances of getting a properly synced HDR photo.

• Top quality self portraits: When you’re working as the photographer and the model in your own self portraits you need the remote control to be able to move away from your camera and pose before shooting the photo.

• Light Trail photography: When you’re using the lights of traffic or light shining through moving water, you can use your remote control to keep the camera stable throughout the shoot. Also known as ‘light graffiti’, you can get the best results with the stability that a remote trigger gives you.

• Firework photography: When you’re trying to take photos of fireworks, or other fast moving spontaneous subjects, a remote trigger is vital. This allows you to stand back from the camera and wait for the perfect moment to quickly snap the shot without rushing while holding the camera and potentially shaking the picture while using a very fast shutter speed.

What Are The Different Ways That You Can Take A Photo Remotely?

The old school method of using the inbuilt self timer on the camera can still be useful however this has been far surpassed in utility by a range of modern inventions that are easier to use, give you more flexibility and control and won’t leave you standing there for those awkward seconds holding a pose while wondering when the photo will take!

• Infrared Remote Control Trigger: If you’re taking photos within the line of sight of the camera then you can use an infrared remote trigger. This will usually work up to around 10 or 15 feet and although it is a useful device it is limited by the fact that you need to maintain a clear line of sight to the camera. These handheld triggers are low cost and are great for time lapse photography.

• Remote Corded Control Trigger: Also known as a cable release, this trigger has a cord which you attach to your camera. It’s a fantastic tool when you’re working with time lapse or macro photography although if you’re doing self portraits you’ll need to be careful to keep the cord out of the photo.

• Wireless Remote Control Trigger: Probably the most versatile option, the wireless trigger system works in conjunction with a small receiver that you plug into your camera. The handheld transceiver can operate at fairly large ranges – sometimes at over 50 feet! You can also link up the transceivers and extend your range into the hundreds of feet although most of the time one device is sufficient for all your needs. It’s a great tool for working in all kinds of situations and is the number one choice for remote control triggers among professional photographers.

• Use Your Smartphone or Tablet Device: As phones have become more ubiquitous and are more like mini computers than telephones you won’t be surprised to find out that you can actually use your phone to trigger your camera’s shutter release! Many cameras have inbuilt Wi-Fi which can be utilized to sync with your phone and used to trigger the photo. You’ll need to install an app like SnapBridge onto your phone or tablet before you get started but installation is fast and easy and once it’s synced with your camera you’re ready to go! These apps also allow you to instantly share your photos to the internet as well, which is a handy secondary function you might want to use.

Before you download an app though, check that it will work with your phone or tablet operating system as well as with your camera model. A quick online search though will quickly pull up the apps that will work with your phone and camera model and brand.

A Remote Control Trigger Is A Vital Piece of Kit for Any Photographer.

There are many ways that you can utilize a remote control trigger device, and whether you decide to go with a cordless or wireless device you’ll get years of use from it. If you don’t want to buy a separate device you can download an app for your phone however, if you’re shooting outside of the signal range it won’t work.

Do you use a remote control trigger as a photographer?

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